The Federal Government confirmed on Friday it will import the live virus, so scientists at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness can undertake vaccine and diagnostic research.
Cattle Council President, Markus Rathsmann applauded the swift action.
“This decision shows there’s no time to waste,” Mr Rathsmann said.
“Now the virus is in Indonesia it poses a significant threat to our Australian beef industry as it can spread via biting insects carried on monsoonal winds.
“It’s important we work towards the development of an mRNA vaccine, as it doesn’t carry the risk of infection that comes with traditional vaccines.
“If this disease hit Australia, our most valuable international markets would close.
“Our best chance at keeping it out is to help our Indonesian neighbours bring their outbreak under control.
“The development of a new vaccine and diagnostic systems will benefit not only us, but cattle producers the world over.
“We also need to ensure we have updated protocols such as the AHA AUSVET PLAN to limit the spread should the virus reach Australia.
“Helping Indonesia will also give us valuable knowledge to strengthen our systems.
“I thank Minister Littleproud for making the right call to protect our $70 billion red meat and livestock industry.”
Source: Cattle Council of Australia
Well this will be great. We have a mRNA ‘vaccine’ now for covid in humans with a 90+% vaccination rate and the case numbers through the roof, 90+% of which are in ‘vaccinated’ people. So now we are going to be stupid enough to have a mRNA ‘vaccine’ for lumpy skin in cattle. Seems to me like that will be one way to guarantee the spread.
Obviously, the Cattle Council of Australia can not see past the end of their nose. By all means research the virus, help Indonesia with the research to get it under control over there so as to reduce risk of the virus getting to Australia, BUT don’t be so stupid as to deliberately bring a virus in to this country that is not here now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with you John.
Do the development work offshore by all means.
I am also hesitant about an mRNA vaccine. Seems there is one of them already being used on humans and the jury is still out!
I support prompt approval and action to develop mRNA Vaccine as a protective measure to safeguard the Australian Cattle Industry.
Dr Alan M Irving